I don't know how to use Photoshop or Gimp or any other image manipulation tools more advanced than Microsoft Paint, so it's time to learn. I downloaded an image from Pixabay, fired up GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program), and searched for a tutorial on text outlines. Here is the result of my first experiment.
I used the color selection tools to choose from the original image instead of using a plain white text and black background. Why not practice two tools in one as part of the learning experience? I am concerned that this meme is too wordy, though. Short sentences in all caps seems to be the standard, not serious philosophical statements.
Lately the topic of legality versus morality and rationality has been on my mind a lot. Discussions about any major issue, whether immigration, pandemic response, guns, police abuse, protests, taxation, licenses, or anything else quickly becomes a pointless argument about "the law" instead of a fundamental understanding of individual liberty. No one bothers to even read a wordy meme, much less a serious statement on a contentious topic, but an in-your-face attitude doesn't really foster thought either.
Let's have another go at meme-making, using an image from Wikipedia this time. Is it better to be wordy, or short and punchy with a dash of vulgarity?
I would hope the image on the left would spark some thought as it reveals a point of cognitive dissonance in those who claim the law is sacred. However, I could even see a knee-jerk response claiming it somehow supports slavery in our cancel culture of emotional responses to dissent. The image on the right is short and punchy with no room for ambiguous interpretation, and its point is clear, but does it really make a case for the flaws in appeals to legality?
Whether they persuade anyone or not, I think I have repeated this process enough to get the hang of the technique at least.
OK, time to try a palate-cleansing kitten image. After all, the internet runs on cat pictures, and we all must offer tribute to ensure its continued operation, even though I generally oppose vote-begging. I got the HIVE logo from this post, and made the white background transparent.
Comment below with an original meme for a full upvote! Use whatever image tool you want, from online meme generators to MS Paint to Photoshop. I rely on the honor system, since I can't verify everything.
I've played with GIMP just a couple times before, but have been circling back to my own need to upgrade past paint as well :-P
A friend has started translating the White Rose stickers into spanish, and I want to update the images so folks can print them... but Paint just isn't going to cut it.
Totally stole your first one for my meme telegram channel :-P
I generally don't really like memes (and even less so with some of the interesting ones my eldest and his friends come up with XD) but I make exceptions occasionally. Like for some cat ones ;P
"Punchy" works because you get an immediate visceral response (ideally it should make people think as well but it seems not many people think past the immediate response which is why it's so ridiculously easy to outrage and manipulate) so I guess it depends on whether your intent is to impart information bites/make people think or get an immediate low level response :)
Look at you with all the editing!! Memes rawk!
Learning is fun if you can make something funny or subversive in the process!
Totally, gives you a target!! :0D
Well, you still owe me a meme-ified reply here. :D
Lol, I was thinking that!
Congratulations @jacobtothe! You received a personal badge!
Participate in the next Power Up Day and try to power-up more HIVE to get a bigger Power-Bee.
May the Hive Power be with you!
You can view your badges on your board and compare yourself to others in the Ranking
Check out the last post from @hivebuzz:
Something in your script seems bugged. It has notified me of this same thing several times.